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Refinancing

Paying off one loan with the proceeds from another loan, generally using the same
property as collateral.

Lender

An individual or business entity making a loan.

Asset

Property or a possession of value that a lender may be willing to accept as collateral
to secure repayment of debt. For example, real estate, stocks, mutual funds, cash,
or automobiles.

Prequalification

The process of providing financial and other information (such as employment history
and proposed collateral) by a prospective borrower in order for the lender to preliminarily
estimate how much loan the borrower may obtain for the purchase of a home. A prequalification
is not a commitment to lend.

Credit

An arrangement in which a borrower receives something of value in exchange for a
promise to repay the lender at a later date.

Down payment

The amount of cash you pay toward the purchase of your home to make up the difference
between the purchase price and your mortgage loan. Down payments often range between
5% and 20% of the sales price depending on many factors, including your loan, your
lender, your credit history, and so forth.

Private mortgage insurance (PMI)

If your down payment is less than 20%, most lenders will require you to get private
mortgage insurance. This is insurance that protects the lender if you default on
your loan. This insurance usually costs from 0.15% to 2.5% of the loan amount. Also
called mortgage insurance.

Interest rate

Cost for the use of a loan, usually expressed as a percentage of the loan, paid
over a specific period of time. The interest rate does not include fees charged
for the loan. See also: annual percentage rate (APR).

Federal Housing Administration (FHA)

An agency of the Department of Housing and Urban Development. The FHA provides mortgage
insurance for certain residential mortgages. It sets standards for underwriting
these mortgages and for construction of homes secured by these mortgages.

FHA home loan

A mortgage home loan that is insured by the Federal Housing Administration (FHA).
Also known as a government loan. FHA mortgage insurance protects the lender (not
the borrower) if a borrower defaults on the FHA loan. This insurance enables a lender
to provide loan options and benefits often not available through conventional financing.

Credit score

A number that rates the quality of an individual's credit. Credit reporting agencies
calculate this number, often with the assistance of computer systems, as part of
the process of assigning rates and terms to the loans they make. The number helps
predict the relative likelihood that a person will repay a credit obligation, such
as a mortgage loan. In general, the higher your credit score, the more likely you
are to be approved for and to pay a lower interest rate on a loan.

Delinquency

Failure to make payments on time.

Market value

The likely selling price of a home between a willing buyer and a willing seller
on the open market. In a mortgage or a home equity loan, the fair market value is
usually determined by an appraisal. Also called fair market value.

Appraisal or appraised value

An informed estimate of the value of a property. When made in connection with an
application for a loan secured by a home, a professional appraiser usually performs
the appraisal.

Equity

The difference between the fair market value (appraised value) of your home and
your outstanding mortgage balances and other liens.